Mumbai: Dr Arup Basu, president, new business and innovation centre, Tata Chemicals inaugurated the 26th Western India Science Fair at Nehru Science Centre in Worli. The inauguration witnessed a massive turnout from the student and teacher community from Mumbai and other states that are participating in the fair.

There are 34 science projects and 15 teaching aids on exhibition by students from states across Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr Basu, said, "The Western India Science Fair is a wonderful platform to develop a scientific temperament in an atmosphere of exuberance and irreverence. Indian pedagogy is excessively focused on structured teaching and we need more avenues to complement this with semi-structured learning opportunities. Tata Chemicals is privileged to be part of this occasion and I hope such efforts proliferate to enable infusion of considerably more vigyan into the gyan that our young citizens are subjected to in their early years."

Dr Basu, in his inauguration speech, stressed upon the significance of organising such events as they prove to be an innovative and effective method of imparting knowledge to students. He also mentioned that teaching science in English is a challenge, as most of the students from backward areas speak and understand only their mother tongue. However, through such science fairs students are able to comprehend several marvels of science that may not be taught in classrooms. In conclusion, Dr Basu said that growth in science will help to create an environment of peace and progress in India.

Dr Basu has a PhD in composite materials and is a Bachelor of Engineering from Imperial College, London.

Shivaprasad Khened, director, Nehru Science Centre, said, "Science fairs are useful because they help in developing an inquiring mind, stimulate a sense of curiosity, help in problem-solving and encourage researching attitudes among young minds."